British punk veterans Buzzcocks join Kaiser Chiefs, Busted and Billy Ocean at Splendour it has been announced today, along with a host of other new acts now revealed for the packed lineup for Wollaton Park on Saturday 22 July.
Regarded as one of the most influential bands ever, Buzzcocks have been thrilling audiences for more than four decades. Fresh from their global 40th anniversary tour, Pete Shelley, Steve Diggle, Chris Remington and Danny Farrant will bring their high-octane guitar, bass and drum power to the Confetti Stage. With six successful and well-received studio albums under their belt, along with years of high profile gigging, expect an epic set of crowd pleasers including the landmark “Orgasm Addict” and UK top 40 single “Ever Fallen in Love”.
Rising star Will Varley will return to Splendour bringing his fiery brand of contemporary folk songs to the Main Stage. In the same year that he sold out Nottingham’s Bodega, Varley was also invited to open for Frank Turner, who described him as ‘one the best singer-songwriters in the UK.’ With shows booked on both sides of the pond, and new fans from around the world joining en masse, the future is bright for this folk artist.
A distinctive blend of country soul from singer-songwriter Yola Carter is promised from this next addition to the Main Stage lineup. Earmarked as ‘one to watch’ by The Guardian, and recently voted ‘UK Artist of the Year’ at the UK Americana Awards, Carter is recognised as one of the UK’s top singers and a uniquely gifted songwriter. She has also worked with critically acclaimed acts such as St. Paul and The Broken Bones and Imelda May.
Back over on the Confetti Stage, powered by Nottingham Trent University, local artists Bud and Josh Wheatley join the bill. Bud’s vibrant reggae beats have been played by BBC Radio 1’s Alice Levine, Greg James and Scott Mills and championed by BBC 1Xtra’s David Rodigan. At the end of 2016, the rising star was one of the most played artists on BBC Introducing in the East Midlands. Wheatley has already caught the attention of BBC Radio 2’s Janice Long with his spine-chillingly, poignant material about matters of the heart and soul.
The Acoustic Rooms Stage will once again host a roster of emerging artists from Nottinghamshire’s thriving music scene. Into the Ark, finalists in the ITV show The Voice, headline with the rest of the lineup featuring Jimi Mack, whose nostalgic sound has been featured on BBC radio; Yazmin Lacey; Unknown Era; Tom Lumley; Lisa Hendricks; Young T and Bugsey; Billie and Sunflower Thieves.
George Akins, owner, DHP Family, said: “We’re confident punk veterans Buzzcocks, along with our other bona fide music legends and award-winning bands backed up with an exciting lineup of fresh talent bursting out of our local music scene, will contribute towards another fantastic day out for the whole family. With ticket sales currently ahead of all previous years, this year’s Splendour is set to be an event not to be missed.”
Organisers DHP Family in association with Nottingham City Council are keen to replicate the success of last year’s biggest ever Splendour – overall winner of ‘Best Festival’ (15,000-39,000) at the 2016 Live Music Business Awards, and recognised as Nottingham’s favourite family festival – which saw a sold-out 21,000 strong crowd watching headliners Jess Glynne, The Human League and UB40.
Councillor Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, Nottingham City Council said: “The line-up for Splendour just keeps getting better and better, and there really is something for everyone. Nottingham City Council will be working hard to provide a great day out for all the family, with children’s entertainment and free entry for those under 11. Tickets are already selling fast so I would advise people to make sure they don’t miss out.”
Nottingham Trent University and Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies are also confirmed as festival partners and will be providing invaluable technical, recording and programming support. With lots happening all over the park aside from the three music stages, including comedy in the courtyard, a kids’ area and entertainers out and about in the crowd, the festival is a fantastic day out for all the family.
Children under 11 will once again be admitted free and discounts are also in place for Nottingham residents. A standard ticket is £46, coming down to £36 when the Nottingham City resident discount is applied. Tickets for young people aged 11-17 living in Nottingham are £20.
VIP packages are also available starting from £80. Ticket holders will enjoy a whole host of benefits including access to the VIP garden; a big screen with picnic and seating area; exclusive entertainment; gourmet food and a quality choice of drinks; luxury toilets plus access to the Dinosaurs of China exhibition at Wollaton Hall.
Tickets can be purchased from splendourfestival.com or in person from the Nottingham Tourism Centre.
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